Summary of the Sumter County Pilot Test of the South Carolina Stored Pesticide Waste Survey

Based on Krejcie and
Morgan's (1970) recommendations for a probabilistic sample size, a
random sample of 292 names were selected from the list of certified
private pesticide applicators in Sumter County. This list did contain
duplication in the form of more than one individual working or living
at one location. An attempt was made to eliminate this duplication as
much as possible, as well as to identify any other forms of frame
error, such as individuals who had died. As a result, a total of 235
questionnaires were sent. A follow-up reminder card, another complete
questionnaire packet and an additional second reminder card were sent
to individuals who did not respond at certain points during the data
collection period. Responses were received from a total of 165
individuals, a response rate of 70.24%.

Findings from the Sumter County Pilot Test

When asked if they farmed
or had ever farmed, 73.9% responded that they had. 72.1% indicated that
they had used pesticides in carrying out their farming or growing
activities. Only 24.2% of those responding indicated that they had
waste pesticides or waste pesticide containers which they wished to
dispose.

When asked what one
farming or growing activity lead to the generation of the waste
pesticide, 67.6% of those responding to the question indicated growing
agricultural crops or commodities. Homeowner grown vegetables or
ornamental plants was the answer for 24.3% and 5.4% indicated
ornamental and nursery products as the activity.

Respondents were asked
to indicate the one best reason why they have waste pesticides. Of
those that responded to the question, 34.3% said that they had bought
too much of the pesticide. An additional 17.1% indicated that they had
shifted to a new product formulation for the particular control needed.
Additional responses included: changed crops grown (8.6%), no longer
farm( (8.6%), the pesticide is no longer legal (8.6%), didn't know they
had it or don't know why they have it (5.7%), and inherited or
purchased the property with the waste present when acquired (2.9%).

In terms of the
amounts of waste pesticide reported, 37 (23%) of the respondents
reported specific information about the waste pesticide they have. Two
respondents indicated they had waste pesticides, but did not give
specific information. Information about waste pesticides was requested
in two major areas, solid wastes and liquid wastes. Weights and volumes
of waste materials were requested in terms of the size of the container
in which the material is stored.

There were 2118 pounds
of solid waste pesticides reported. Respondents indicated that, of that
total, 95.5% (2023 pounds) were known materials. The remaining
materials were not identifiable by respondents. When asked to identify
the type of container in which the solid materials were stored,
respondents indicated that 96.8% (2051 pounds) of the total solid waste
materials were in paper or cardboard containers. Metal containers were
reported for only 1.8% (37 pounds) of the materials, plastics 1.4% (29
pounds) and glass containers less than .05% (1 pound).

Respondents were also
asked to indicate the condition of the containers. Based on the
percentage of total materials stored in each type of containers, the
following represents the amount found in containers described as in
Good, Fair or Poor condition. one hundred percent of the materials
stored in glass containers (1 pound) was reported to be stored in
containers in Good condition. 65.5 percent of the material stored in
plastic containers (19 pounds) were in containers in Good condition and
34.5% (10 pounds) in Fair condition. For solid materials stored in
metal containers, 94.6% (35 pounds) was stored in Good condition
containers and the rest (3.4% or 2 pounds) in containers in fair
condition. 73% of the material stored in paper or cardboard containers
(1497 pounds) was reported to be in containers in Poor condition.
Material stored in Fair condition paper containers made up 15.4% (315
pounds) of the total and material stored in Good condition paper
containers 11.6% (239 pounds).

There were 1226.4
gallons of liquid waste pesticides reported. Respondents indicated
that, of that total, 52.2% (640 gallons) were known materials. The
remaining materials (47.8% or 586.4 gallons) were not identifiable by
respondents. When asked to identify the type of container in which the
liquid materials were stored, respondents indicated that 59.6% (731.4
gallons) of the total solid waste materials were in metal containers.
Plastic containers were reported for 39.9% (489.5 gallons) of the
materials, glass containers .4% (4.5 gallons) and paper or cardboard
containers less than .1% (1 gallon).

Respondents were also
asked to indicate the condition of the liquid waste containers. Based
on the percentage of total materials stored in each type of containers,
the following represents the amount found in containers described as in
Good, Fair or Poor condition. One hundred percent of the liquid
materials stored in glass containers (4.5 gallons) and paper or
cardboard containers (1 gallon) was reported to be stored in containers
in Good condition. 42.1 percent of the material (206.25 gallons) stored
in plastic containers were in containers in Fair condition, 39.1%
(191.25 gallons) in Good condition and 18.8% (92 gallons) in containers
in Poor condition. For liquid materials stored in metal containers,
45.9% (335.5 gallons) were stored in Poor condition containers, 42.4%
(310 gallons) in containers identified as being in Fair condition and
the rest (11.7% or 85.875 gallons) in containers in Good condition.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.